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Converting RAW Images
The RAW format records the image data as captured by the camera’s image sensor
without further processing by the camera. Although the data is compressed when
recorded, the original data can be completely restored without any loss of quality, making
it possible to obtain high-quality images. Moreover, the RAW image file format is
extremely compact, creating files that are approximately one-third to one-quarter the size
of an uncompressed file (RGB TIFF). Please refer to your
Camera User Guide
to learn how
to set the camera to shoot in the RAW format.
The process of obtaining high-quality RGB signals from RAW format images (hereafter
RAW images) is called “conversion.” Since ImageBrowser can be used to adjust the
attributes of the original data, you can achieve the effects you wish while maintaining
high image quality. In contrast, image data recorded in the RGB TIFF and other standard
uncompressed file formats is irrevocably processed in the camera and must be further
processed irrevocably by retouching software to change the attributes, which reduces the
image quality.
Please note that ImageBrowser or the Plug-In Module are required to load RAW images
onto a computer.
Converting RAW Images without Adjusting the Quality
1.
Select a RAW image.
Select a RAW image from the Browser Window of ImageBrowser.
2.
Click the [File] menu and select [Convert RAW Images].
The image is converted and saved in a new TIFF (8 bits/channel) file. To learn how
to change the file format, please see “How to Change the File Format” (
➜
p. 89).
Converting RAW Images with Quality Adjustment
1.
Select a RAW image from the Browser Window of ImageBrowser.
2.
Click the [File] menu and select [Convert RAW Images with User
Defined Parameters].
The RAW Image Parameter Settings dialog will display.
3.
Select the quality settings and click [OK].
The RAW image is converted according to the specified parameters and saved in
a new TIFF (8 bits / channel) file. If multiple RAW images are selected, the
parameters are applied only to the first image. When only one RAW image is
adjusted, the changes are also reflected in the remaining images in the selection.
To learn how to change the file format, please see “How to Change the File
Format” (
➜
p. 89).
